MORE warnings have been issued to dog owners as a map shows where deadly Alabama Rot has been reported in the region.

Alabama Rot, known as CRGV, is a dog disease of unknown cause that affects all breeds no matter age, weight or size.

If not spotted early, the disease can prove fatal and lead to kidney failure.

Warnings were issued in Reading earlier this year after a Labrador suffered from swollen limbs.

After four days of intense treatment, her condition started to improve and she was discharged after two weeks.

Signs of Alabama Rot include skin lesions that can appear as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin or an open ulcer; sore skin around the elbow or knee; and kidney failure which includes vomiting, reduced hunger and unusual tiredness.

Slough Observer:

READ MORE: Fresh warning for Alabama Rot after Labrador suffers from swollen limbs

Vets4pets have created an online map which highlights the hotspots in Berkshire.

Hotspots in Berkshire include:

  • Reading - Date: January 2021 - areas walked: unknown
  • Reading - date: February 2021 - areas walked: unknown
  • Wokingham - date: July 2016 - areas walked: unknown
  • Maidenhead - date: January 2021 - areas walked: unknown
  • Frilsham - date: September 2017 - woods in Penn

To view the interactive map, click here.

What is Alabama Rot?

As Vets4Pets has mentioned, there is no way to prevent a dog from catching Alabama Rot other than to look out and avoid problem areas.

The PDSA describes the disease as a disorder that allows tiny clots to form in blood vessels that in turn damage the skin and kidneys.

ALSO READ: Met office yellow weather for heavy rain extended

It explains that this can cause skin sores and sometimes kidney failure, meaning the dog's kidneys stop working and cannot clean blood properly.

What are the symptoms

The disease is treated as a serious illness by vets across the country and thankfully there have been enough cases to determine some of the key symptoms.

According to the PDSA, common symptoms generally include:

- Ulcers and sores on paws, legs, face or mouth

- being sick

- not wanting to eat

- lethargy (sleepiness and having much less energy than usual)

Is there anyway it can be avoided?

The Vets4Pets map has been created to help dog owners warn others over potential problem areas.

The PDSA says that if Alabama Rot has been reported near you, avoid walking your dog in muddy woodland areas.

It goes on to say that washing any mud off your dog after a walk can help, although warns that this has not been proven.

It says: "It won’t harm your dog and might help keep your mind at ease if you’re worried about the disease."

It goes on to say that owners should check their dog for signs of redness or sores, especially on their paws, legs and face regularly.

Anyone who notices these symptoms or changes in health should then contact their local vet for assistance.